Ancient Astronauts

Cologne, Germany

We Stand Our Ground

DowntempoElectronic

Behind the Music

We were so overwhelmed with emotion to learn of so many people suffering at the hands of the lawless high seas. Learning about the state of the high seas through The Outlaw Ocean was jarring, and we want to be part of the crusade to bring more awareness to it. This music project helps emphasize the book’s message. It adds even more emotional weight to already very poignant stores, giving The Outlaw Ocean another level to draw people’s attention to this urgent topic.

We believe that music has the ability to spread these stories to thousands of listeners, and so it is an honor to play a role in the telling of a narrative that opens people’s eyes to what is really happening at sea. We hope the music we create supports and facilitates more dedicated reporting from Ian that can be read by the whole world.

Ancient Astronauts
About Ancient Astronauts

Ancient Astronauts is a music production and DJ duo from Cologne, Germany. Their music is said to be infused with beats that defy any rigid classifications. After a successful leap of faith into event promotion to brand their unique style of DJing and remixing songs, The Astronauts, along with artists Kabanjak and Dogu, began Switchstance Recordings in 2001. The Astronauts released a series of singles which grew in momentum until finally gaining the attention of U.S. producers, Thievery Corporation, which immediately signed them to ESL Music. The full length LP, “We Are To Answer,” was released in 2009 launching Ancient Astronaut’s undeniable sound to the outside world.

Winner of the 2021 Scripps Howard Award for Excellence in Innovation in Journalism

The Journalism behind the Music

All music in this project is based on The Outlaw Ocean, a New York Times Best-Selling book by Ian Urbina that chronicles lawlessness at sea around the world. This reporting touches on a diversity of abuses ranging from illegal and overfishing, arms trafficking at sea, human slavery, gun running, intentional dumping, murder of stowaways, thievery of ships and other topics.

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